Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday emphasized the importance of Jain literature in shaping India’s rich intellectual and spiritual heritage and described it as “the backbone of intellectual grandeur of India”.
Addressing the ‘Navkar Mahamantra Day’ function held at Vigyan Bhawan, the National Capital, Prime Minister Modi said that the conservation of ancient Jain texts is a national duty. He said, “The literature of Jainism is the backbone of the intellectual grandeur of India. It is our duty to preserve this knowledge.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s decision to give Prakrit and Pali the status of classical language, which are two ancient Indian languages associated with Jain and Buddhist traditions. He underlined the cultural and scholarly significance of these languages, saying, “Therefore we have given Prakrit and Pali the status of classical language.”
Prime Minister Modi recalled his early spiritual contact with Jain teachings. He said, “I was born in Gujarat, where the influence of Jainism is seen in every street. I have been in the company of Jain Acharyas since childhood.” He said that chanting of Navkar Mantra is a moment of deep reverence, because “We salute the Panch Parmeshthi.”
He also told how the architecture and cultural effects of Jainism are reflected in the new Parliament House.
He said, “As soon as you enter the Shardula gate, you see ‘Sammed Shikhar’ in the gallery. There is a Tirthankara statue at the entrance of the Lok Sabha – this statue has returned from Australia. A magnificent painting of Lord Mahavira is adorned on the roof of the constitution hall and all 24 Tirthankaras are depicted on the wall.”
Connecting spirituality with national progress, the Prime Minister said, “Developed India means progress along with progress – an India that will not stop, which will not stop, which will touch great heights without separating from its roots.”
He emphasized that the new India will maintain the values of its ancient traditions even after moving through modern technology.
With this spirit, Prime Minister Modi announced the upcoming ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’, which has been unveiled in this year’s Union Budget, and said that this initiative will focus on survey and digitization of millions of ancient manuscripts across the country.
He said, “Many important texts are gradually disappearing. Through this mission we will connect antiquity with modernity.”
He said that this mission will find out the ability of artificial intelligence to make India’s spiritual heritage accessible globally.
The Prime Minister also highlighted efforts to bring back the ancient heritage from abroad. “More than 20 statues of Tirthankaras have been brought back to India in recent years,” he said.
He described these efforts as the subject of national pride. Along with this, describing Gyan Bharatam initiative as “Amrit Sankalp”, Prime Minister Modi said that India will not only preserve its knowledge systems, but will also inspire the world through the confluence of technology and spirituality.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Navkar Mahamantra Day at Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital, an important spiritual and cultural event dedicated to the holy mantra of Jainism.
Participating in the event with members of Jain community and spiritual leaders, the Prime Minister led the collective chanting of Navkar Mahamantra and described the moment as spiritually energetic and integrating the moment.
The program was organized to celebrate the eternal teachings of Jain philosophy and to promote the values of inner peace, self-interview and harmony. Navkar Mahamantra Day was celebrated at various places in India, but the main ceremony was held at Vigyan Bhawan.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also attended the ‘Vishwa Navkar Mahamantra Day’ program in the national capital. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel attended the ‘Vishwa Navkar Mahamantra’ Day program organized by Jain International Trade Organization (JITO) in Ahmedabad. Religious scholars, Jain monks, dignitaries and hundreds of followers gathered to recite the ancient mantra worshiped by Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay and Sadhus.
In this program, PM Modi emphasized on non-violence, truth, self-discipline and internal changes of Jain philosophy. Prime Minister Modi reiterated the importance of adopting such values in today’s world to promote harmony and brotherhood among communities.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister invited the citizens to chant Navkar Mahamantra at 8:27 am and described it as a collective step towards peace, power and unity.
